Jemal Siraj immigrated to the United States from Ethiopia in 1992 after escaping political unrest. He built a stable life through hard work, driving shuttle and tour buses and maintaining an active lifestyle. Before his injury, Jemal enjoyed playing soccer, working out at the gym several times a week, and traveling. He had recently purchased a home and was preparing for marriage. 

In 2007, Jemal experienced a sudden spinal cord hemorrhage at the C6-C7 level, resulting in paralysis. What began as shoulder pain led to a hospital visit, where he fell into a coma and awoke five days later to the life-changing diagnosis. The injury brought significant changes to his life, including financial hardship and the loss of his home. Despite these challenges, Jemal remained committed to maintaining as much independence as possible, managing daily tasks on his own and adapting to his new circumstances.

Today, Jemal continues his rehabilitation at the DRIVEN NeuroRecovery Center in Las Vegas, which has played a major role in his physical and emotional recovery. At DRIVEN, he found specialized support tailored to individuals with spinal cord injuries, as well as a strong sense of community.

 "At DRIVEN, everybody knows your injury and what you can do. It's a safe place."

Through consistent training and support, Jemal has regained strength, improved his endurance, and made progress in walking. DRIEN has become a vital part of his ongoing recovery, providing both the physical therapy and peer encouragement necessary to support his goals.

“I escaped death. This is my second chance.”